Vanessa Santos: A Voice for Conservatives in Hollywood

Vanessa Santos, once dubbed the “MAGA Whisperer,” was recently featured in Variety for her efforts as a publicist representing conservative figures who faced backlash after Donald Trump’s first term. Santos established her agency, Renegade PR, in 2021. Since then, she’s amassed a roster of clients that includes notable personalities like Roseanne Barr, Riley Gaines, and Tim Poole—names that many hesitant publicists would steer clear of.

As a Republican, she expressed to Variety her desire to promote dialogue within the predominantly left-leaning entertainment industry. “I really want to foster the ability for people to talk about politics without fear of cancellation,” she said. Santos recounted numerous discussions with conservative-minded celebrities who, despite feeling apprehensive, want to voice their opinions but worry about pushback from their representatives. “If you want to do this, do it yourself,” she advised them. It’s baffling, really—why would a publicist feel the need to control narratives for their clients?

She pointed to CNN commentator Scott Jennings as an example of a vocal conservative who adds value to the liberal discourse by regularly appearing on the network.

Santos expressed admiration for Jennings, saying, “I’m crazy about Scott Jennings. What he’s done on Abby Phillippe’s show is what our nightly discourse should be.” She highlighted the exhaustion many feel being trapped in echo chambers, praising Philippe for opening her platform to diverse viewpoints.

Looking ahead, Santos anticipates a surge in business following Trump’s potential re-election in 2024. She believes the entertainment sector, which has often excluded conservative voices, might now be more open to engaging with broader audiences.

With a nod to potential shifts in public perception, she recalled Michael Jordan’s quote, “Republicans buy sneakers, too.” It resonates with her belief that you can’t afford to disregard a significant portion of the audience.